Iowa's Bennett Stirtz Headlines 2026 NBA Draft Big Board
The 2026 NBA Draft is shaping up to be a deep class, and Iowa basketball fans have a real reason to tune in Tuesday night. Former Hawkeyes guard Bennett Stirtz has climbed into first-round projection after a standout NCAA Tournament performance, capping a remarkable journey from Division II recruit to the brink of the professional ranks. Stirtz leads a small group of players with Iowa ties who could hear their names called in New York City.
Who Are the Top Prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft?
While this class lacks a once-in-a-generation talent like LeBron James in 2003, general managers will find plenty of high-level starters and potential All-Stars. Kansas guard Darryn Peterson and BYU forward AJ Dybantsa are the consensus top two prospects, though the Washington Wizards have not publicly confirmed who they will select at No. 1 overall.
Peterson, a 6-foot-6 guard, battled mysterious cramping issues throughout his season at Kansas. When healthy, he showed dominance on both ends of the floor with an advanced mid-range game and high basketball IQ. He does not want to play for the Utah Jazz, who hold the No. 2 pick.
Dybantsa stayed available for BYU all season, even as the Cougars struggled with late-season injuries. The 6-foot-9 forward showed he can create for himself and others in transition. The main concern is his shooting, as he connected on just 33 percent from three-point range as a freshman.
How Does Iowa's Bennett Stirtz Project at the Next Level?
Stirtz authored one of the best underdog stories in recent draft memory. The 6-foot-4 guard went from being overlooked by major programs out of high school to becoming a legitimate NBA first-round talent. His offensive creativity and smooth shot-making have several teams interested, including the Golden State Warriors.
Scouts note that Stirtz is sneaky athletic but not overly quick, and he will likely face challenges defending at the NBA level. His ideal role early in his career would be as a rotation player for a veteran-laden roster where he can contribute offense without being asked to carry too heavy a load.
His strong NCAA Tournament showing proved he can rise to the occasion against high-level competition, which is exactly what NBA decision-makers want to see from a small-school standout.
Which Other Iowa Connections Appear in the Draft?
Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson lands at No. 38 on the big board. Jefferson brings switchability and tenacity on the defensive end, qualities that were frequently on display during the Cyclones' season. He also showed flashes of developing a three-point shot, which would make him an even more attractive prospect at the next level.
While not an Iowa native, BYU's AJ Dybantsa is worth noting for Big 12 fans who watched him compete in conference play all season. His availability and versatility made him a consistent threat, even as the Cougars faded down the stretch.
What Other Names Should Fans Watch in the First Round?
The draft features several other intriguing prospects who could make immediate impacts:
- Caleb Wilson, North Carolina (No. 3): A 6-foot-10 forward whose lone season was limited by injuries, but he showed elite two-way potential when healthy.
- Cameron Boozer, Duke (No. 4): The son of former NBA player Carlos Boozer projects as a high-floor contributor who can fill a stat sheet.
- Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas (No. 5): Led the SEC in scoring and assists while shooting 44 percent from deep under John Calipari.
- Kingston Flemings, Houston (No. 6): Blazing speed makes up for a slight frame, though his shooting form needs work.
- Nate Ament, Tennessee (No. 8): A 6-foot-10 forward who averaged 16.7 points per game but struggled with consistency, shooting under 40 percent from the field.
Could This Freshman Class Be Historically Great?
Analysts have debated whether this group of freshmen rivals the best classes in college basketball history. The depth of impact talent is undeniable, with multiple one-and-done players projected as lottery picks. Peterson, Dybantsa, Wilson, and Boozer all entered college as elite recruits and delivered on that promise to varying degrees.
What Does the Rest of the Big Board Look Like?
The 2026 draft class stretches well beyond the lottery with talent. International prospects like Karim Lopez of the New Zealand Breakers (No. 13) and Aday Mara of Michigan (No. 14), a 7-foot-3 center, bring unique skill sets. Santa Clara's Allen Graves (No. 18) stayed in the draft rather than chasing NIL money in the transfer portal, a decision that could pay off handsomely.
The full big board extends 59 players deep, ranging from potential franchise cornerstones to reliable role players who could carve out long NBA careers.
FAQ
When is the 2026 NBA Draft?
The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for Tuesday, June 24, in New York City.
Will Bennett Stirtz be a first-round pick?
Stirtz is currently projected as a late first-round selection, with the Golden State Warriors among the teams showing interest.
Who will the Wizards pick at No. 1 overall?
AJ Dybantsa is widely expected to be Washington's choice, though the team has not made an official announcement.